Parsley Flat Leaf

Hey Pesto! All You Ever Need to Know About Parsley

Vibrant and delicious, gorgeously green flat leaf parsley is often used as a garnish but there's more to this humble herb than good looks! Here's five facts about parsley to convince you of its charms:

It really is Greek to me: Parsley takes its name from two Greek words: petrose meaning rock (as it often grows amongst stones) and selenium meaning celery - so you can think of parsley as a 'rock of celery'.

Breath of fresh air: It has been used widely as a garnish since the 18th Century, when parsley was believed to freshen breath and neutralise pungent odours. This explains why it often paired with strong flavours like garlic and fish.

Earth brother: Well-balanced dishes stimulate all the flavour receptors and parsley is clean, earthy and peppery – a great all-rounder in the kitchen. The mild bitterness makes parsley excellent for balancing savoury dishes like stews, soups and sauces.

Getting fresh in the Med: Widely used in Mediterranean cooking, parsley is the main ingredient in many popular fresh-tasting recipes including salsa verde, tabbouleh, aioli and pesto. It really is a salad's best friend!